The Impact of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in Design Studios on the Comfort and Academic Performance of Architecture Students

Abstract

This study addresses the limited research on examining comfort levels among architecture students. Specifically, it seeks to evaluate indoor environmental quality (IEQ) within design studios to investigate the occurrence of health symptoms and ascertain the influence of these factors on academic performance. This study was conducted at a university in Jordan during the autumn semester. The research database encompassed objective measurements utilizing instruments, subjective aspects using questionnaires, and academic performance assessments. This study’s results indicated a significant need for more satisfaction with the overall comfort levels encountered in design studios. The element of noise levels was considered the least satisfactory by the students, followed by the level of humidity, temperature conditions, lighting quality, and air quality. The findings revealed that the symptoms most frequently reported weekly throughout the autumn semester in design studios were decreased focus, dry skin, nasal congestion, and headaches. A significant positive link was seen between the degree of concentration and academic achievement. Moreover, a significant majority of students (77.4%) expressed their belief that enhancing IEQ will improve their academic performance.

Keywords

• architecture students
• indoor environmental quality
• design studios
• thermal conditions
• air quality
• academic performance